Consultation Document Automobile Insurance Reform

Transcription

1 Consultation Document Automobile Insurance Reform The Department of Government Services is addressing several issues related to automobile insurance reform which are in addition to the Terms of Reference of the current review being conducted by the Public Utilities Board. Before government makes a decision on these issues, we are inviting input from stakeholders. Responses must be in writing and received by March 4, The issues being addressed are as follows: Public Utilities Board Rate Setting Process Automobile insurance rates are regulated to ensure consumers are charged a fair price for insurance, especially since government mandates that drivers carry insurance. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) currently has a Benchmark System for rate setting, with a minimum and maximum benchmark. This is unique in Canada. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario insurers have to justify rate increases on an individual filing basis. There are no minimum rates. Government believes consumers may be better served if companies are required to justify rate increases on an individual basis, and there are no minimum rates. It proposes to require the PUB to adopt such a process effective March 17, 2005 when the current rate freeze expires, through retroactive legislation. In conjunction with this change, government proposes that any rate reductions related to reforms coming out of the current PUB review process be implemented based on individual company filings with the PUB. Should the benchmark system be maintained or should companies have to file on an individual basis? Penalties for giving false information to insurers concerning claims Insurance fraud is created by individuals making false claims or inflating the value of claims. This adds to the cost of insurance. As a measure to reduce insurance fraud, should government consider introducing penalties for giving false testimony to insurers with respect to insurance claims?

2 - 2 - Disclosure by Insurers of Injured Parties Under Surveillance Injured parties placed under surveillance by insurance companies often get nervous as they feel they are being followed, not being aware they are under surveillance due to an insurance claim. Also, they may believe their privacy is being invaded. Should government consider introducing legislation requiring insurance companies to disclose to claimants that they could be under surveillance, and provide access to material obtained through surveillance? Penalties for Impaired Drivers Penalties are used as a deterrent and must be at a level to be effective. Penalties in this province were increased in A summary of penalties for impaired driving in Canadian jurisdictions is attached. Is there a need for more stringent penalties to keep impaired drivers off the road? If so to what level? Written comments on the above topics are invited and are to be sent to: Yours truly, Superintendent of Insurance Department of Government Services Confederation Building, West Block P.O. Box 8700 St. John s, NL A1B 4J6 Fax Dianne Whalen Minister

3 IMPAIRED DRIVING PENALTIES Canadian Jurisdictions Note: The provincial penalties for impaired driving, as outlined in the following table, are based on a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08 (i.e. 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood) which is the legal limit in Canada. However, it is important to note that, under the Criminal Code of Canada, a person can be charged with impaired driving if your BAC is below.08; if a police officer determines that an individual s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired, a charge can be laid. As well, all provinces, except Quebec, have legislation that allows a police officer to suspend a driver s immediately for a short period of time (12 or 24 hours) if the driver has a BAC of.05 or greater (.04 in Saskatchewan). The penalties outlined in the following table are levied by the provincial driver licencing authority following a conviction under the Criminal Code. Province 1 st offence 2 nd offence 3 rd offence 4 th Offence / Other Measures Newfoundland and Labrador 1year 3-year (if 5-year (if lifetime ( for 4 th offence voluntary ignition interlock program Nova Scotia 1-year 3-year (if indefinite (at least 10 ) lifetime ( for 4 th offence immediate 3- month (while waiting for court date) if blood alcohol reading is.08 or higher; draft legislation has been prepared in relation to program

4 New Brunswick 1-year 3-year 5-year (for a third or subsequent offence) P.E.I. 1-year 3-year 5-year (for a third or subsequent offence) Quebec on-the-spot for 30 days (by police officer at roadside) on-the-spot for 90 days (by police officer at roadside) on-the-spot for 90 days (by police officer at roadside) voluntary ignition interlock program If convicted: If convicted: If convicted: for 1 year for 3 for 5 if court allows mandatory completion of alcohol rehab program session summary assessment of alcohol/drug consumption habits if assessment unfavourable, must undergo a comprehensive assessment and mandatory use for 1 year if court allows obligation to undergo a comprehensive assessment by addiction rehab centre if assessment favourable, is reinstated with condition of for 2 if court allows obligation to undergo a comprehensive assessment by addiction rehab centre if assessment favourable, is reinstated with condition of for 2

7 NOTE: An impaired driving conviction under the federal Criminal Code results in a under provincial legislation (as outlined above) as well as a driving prohibition under the Criminal Code. The following chart shows minimum penalties under the federal legislation: Minimum Punishment Prohibition From Driving First Offence A fine of at least $600 Prohibition from driving for at least one year and up to three Second Offence At least 14 days in prison Prohibition from driving for at least two and up to five Subsequent Offences At least 90 days in prison Prohibition from driving for at least three and up to a lifetime ban

8 Addendum to Consultation Document Automobile Insurance Reform Administrative Suspensions for Impaired Drivers In addition to the legislative penalties outlined in the Consultation Document, Newfoundland and Labrador also has the following administrative s: - 24-hour immediate roadside for alcohol levels over day automatic for alcohol levels over.08 - Mandatory alcohol dependency assessment and rehabilitation for reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. What do the changes include? These changes will introduce progressive administrative penalties for drivers with blood alcohol levels of.05 or greater, tougher penalties for

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